The Red Carpet in Malta

Getting Red Carpet Treatment

in the Blue Lagoon

This is something you have to see to believe. There's a gorgeous bay--the Blue Lagoon--near the small island of Comino. We went there this weekend. When you arrive, you have to carefully climb up and then down the surrounding cliff to reach a small sandy beach,

The water is absolutely clear and in two shades of blue--dark Mediterranean blue and turquoise where the sand rests below the water.

It's hard to walk from the shore into the water because of large rocks and pebbles. But right in the middle of the bay is a twenty-foot red carpet that snakes itself through the water to make it easier for swimmers to traverse the rocky beach into the deeper water.

The red carpet is not one of Malta's natural wonders. But it is a wonderful thing that helps you get into the water. I joined the hundred or so swimmers that day in walking the red carpet.

The only bad part is that when you get to the end of the red carpet, you have to jump into the water no matter how cold it is. If you delay--as I wanted to--there's a whole line of traffic behind you.

Comments

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi Mary--I believe that the Americans are the worst-dressed tourists. They never dress up; they only wear jeans and shorts, tee shirts and sneakers to formal and informal events. It's always the same outfit. But, yes, the Americans are cleaner than the Maltese--they smoke and litter less. Have to give credit where's it's due xxx Ilene

[Mary Bartolotta]

So beautiful, but reading the post of A makes me want to vomit. BTW they just voted Americans the worst-dressed tourists in the world. I don't know who the "they" are and they are undoubtedly right, but I have never seen anyone here carry a cigarette into the ocean. Disgusting.

[Sennuwy (an ancient Egyptian name)]

Hi A--I'm so glad you said this. You've expressed what many decent people feel about the Maltese environment--both foreign and local residents. The problem is that the people who heed this message are those who are already abiding my the law--Ilene

[Alexandra Claes]

I "need" to mention this --- what the hell is wrong with the Maltese people and their blatant disregard of their precious surrounds, soiling the beautiful Med. sea with rubbish and hold me back now --- cigarette butts ? !

We often visit Pretty Bay; a gorgeous spot for swimming. We did so on the weekend for Miss R's birthday, and the swimming or "floating" around as I do, was devine --- until --- the bloody fag butts were everywhere !

People are walking into the water, "all Maltese" I might add, cigarette in hand. I'm thinking "where are these butts going to end up ?" Yep, you guessed it , in the water. I was mortified !

I spent so much time collecting plastic rubbish from the water and the butts as well. I have never been so disgusted and disgusted.

What is wrong with you people ? You keep your houses pristine and then destroy the natural beauty around you ? ! And I want to know, why do so many Maltese people smoke ? Here are these morbidly obese people on the beach smoking ! Call me crazy but hello ! you're killing yourselves !!! Do some exercise, stop eating pastizzis and respect your land and waters.

It is illegal to smoke on Australian beaches let alone in the waters. Not only is it filthy and ugly, you are killing the wildlife ! Clearly the schools and communities are not educating people on this and it has to stop --- now ... before I hurt someone !

Ok, so I feel better for the vent and hope people listen up :/

And yes, I can say this as I am of Maltese extraction :P